dear to me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dear to me" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express affection or a strong emotional connection to someone or something. Example: "This old photograph is very dear to me, as it reminds me of my childhood."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I cannot go on living with myself and hurting those dear to me.

The New Yorker

It's very dear to me.

The New York Times

"They feel dear to me," she said.

The New Yorker

He's very dear to me.

The Guardian - Music

Someone dear to me being unhappy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Silencio is something dear to me.

The Guardian - Film

All are very dear to me.

The Guardian - Books

The blood of Egyptians is very dear to me.

The New York Times

I don't hold my power dear to me.

The New York Times

("You are as dear to me as my wife").

The New York Times - Books

Weren't you once as dear to me as my eye?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the nuance you want to convey; "precious to me" emphasizes value, while "close to my heart" highlights emotional connection.

Common error

Avoid using "dear to me" in highly formal or professional settings where a more neutral term like "important" or "relevant" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dear to me" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It expresses a personal feeling of affection, value, or importance towards the modified element. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use in expressing emotional connections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Huffington Post

9%

The New Yorker

3%

Less common in

BBC

1%

TechCrunch

1%

Wikipedia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dear to me" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey personal affection, value, or significance. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it’s grammatically sound and frequently found in diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral to informal, its usage can be adapted based on the desired level of formality. Alternatives like "precious to me" or "important to me" offer nuanced options to tailor the sentiment. When using "dear to me", be mindful of the emotional connection you wish to emphasize and the specific context to ensure it aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precious to me

Emphasizes the high value and irreplaceable nature of something.

cherished by me

Highlights the act of holding something close and with great affection.

valued by me

Focuses on the importance and worth that something holds.

close to my heart

Indicates a deep emotional connection and personal significance.

significant to me

Stresses the importance and impact something has on one's life.

important to me

A general term indicating something holds value or relevance.

special to me

Highlights the unique and exceptional qualities of something.

treasured by me

Emphasizes the act of safeguarding and appreciating something greatly.

held in high regard by me

Implies a sense of respect and admiration for something.

loved by me

Directly expresses affection and strong positive feelings.

FAQs

What does "dear to me" mean?

The phrase "dear to me" signifies something that is cherished, valued, or emotionally significant to the speaker. It indicates a strong personal connection or affection.

How can I use "dear to me" in a sentence?

You can use "dear to me" to describe objects, people, or memories that hold special importance. For example, "This photograph is very "dear to me" because it reminds me of my childhood."

What are some alternatives to saying "dear to me"?

You can use alternatives like "precious to me", "close to my heart", or "important to me" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "near and dear to me"?

Yes, "near and dear to me" is a common and acceptable variation of the phrase. It emphasizes both the emotional closeness and the importance of something or someone.